Homework
If it's on the Internet, it Must Be True, Right? Using Critical Thinking to Debunk the Junk.
Introduction:
Over the past few years, social media sites have been filled with "research" on everything, from claims that miracle diets are "scientifically proven effective" to articles on the existence (or not) of global warming, and everything in between. Currently, we are overwhelmed with information surrounding COVID-19: masks are useless/masks are essential; send students to school/virtual learning is the best option; this drug is effective/it causes heart attacks; the list goes on and on. How do we figure out what information is accurate, and what is junk?
For this homework you will practice critical thinking skills to evaluate "rumors" currently circulating on the internet. Are they true or just fake news?
This homework fulfills/supports:
1. Module Outcome:
2. Course Outcome:
3. General Education Competencies:
Task:
For this homework, complete the following steps:
Step I:
Carefully read "1.11 A Psychologist's Skill Set: Information Literacy- How Do You Know?" beginning on page 46 of your textbook.
Step II:
Choose ONE of the following urban legends/rumors/myths:
• "Who Are ‘America's Frontline Doctors' and Dr. Stella Immanuel?" (opens in a new window)
• "Was a Homeless Couple Found Living in a Walmart Attic?" (opens in a new window)
• "Does a New Facebook Algorithm Only Show You 26 Friends?" (opens in a new window)
Step III:
In your initial post, explain how you would debunk the legend/rumor/myth you chose. Your post must include the following:
• Use at least 3 of the 6 suggestions from section 1.11 in your textbook. In your initial post, refer to the suggestions by their number in the textbook (Suggestion 2, Suggestion 5, etc.) and explain how each suggestion helped you determine if the information in your legend/rumor/myth was dubious or even totally false.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.